Former Golden Guardians General Manager and Coach Nicholas "Inero" Smith has reached a verbal agreement agreement with Disguised to help the team in the North American Challengers League (NACL) for the 2024 season, according to sources close to Sheep Esports.

Golden Guardians

Last year, Golden Guardians found its most successful year yet in the LCS, which made the team's departure all the more surprising. Securing a 2nd place finish in the spring split and later claiming 4th place in summer, the team qualified for both international tournaments in 2023 to the surprise of many. With Inero in the team's backstage, the organization, which historically struggled in North America, managed to upset expectations all year long.

Despite not making deep runs in the two international attendances they had this year, the team has had short stints of glory, notably by beating Bilibili Gaming during this year's Mid-Season Invitational. Regardless of setbacks, the team amassed large support from local fans and helped restore the legacy of several pillars of North American talents.

A Sudden Exit

Regrettably, against everyone's expectations, the off-season delivered terrible news for both fans and the organization's staff and players: the organization chose to depart the league and focus its operations elsewhere. Happening very late in the off-season, their departure left Golden Guardians' previous staff and players without teams.

As detailed on a case-to-case basis, several players have now found themselves in difficult spots with only a few options: move to another region, take time off, or compete in lower circuits. For the former manager and coach Inero, it is time for a new chapter in the NACL. Having often worked with young rookie talents during his time in the LCS, this move, though a step-down from his previous position, should prove to be a good experience heading into the next competitive season.

Disguised, Heroes of the NACL

Owned by Jeremy "Disguised Toast" Wang, Disguised is a North American amateur team which entered the NACL back in the summer of 2023. Securing a victory in its inaugural split, the team easily settled as one of the major contenders of the challenger circuit last year. Through the signing of Inero, the team is now aiming to reciprocate its past results in the challengers league.

Initially, the team was created with one specific goal in mind: help the players who had been affected by the departure of most LCS academic teams. Being an influencer team, the team has already amassed a large and dedicated fan-base through its feats and dedication to the amateur scene. This off-season, all of the team's past players and coaches have found offers in the LCS, indicating a strong ability to find and sustain talents of the lower circuits.

With a strong coaching staff secured, anticipation around the team's roster is expected to rise as we arrive closer to the start of the season. At the moment, both Disguised and the remaining LCS Challengers teams of the NACL are leading the off-season. Per sources, most players seem to be flocking towards FlyQuest Challengers, Team Liquid Challengers, and Disguised. Being one of the market's most appealing teams, it will be interesting to see if DSG will be able to achieve the same success as they had in the second half of 2023.